Why Washing Blankets in a Machine Is Tricky (And How to Nail It)
Let’s be real: washing blankets isn’t exactly like tossing in your socks and calling it a day. Blankets are big, bulky, and often come with special instructions that sound like a secret coded language. But fear not! We’re about to break down how to wash blankets in a washing machine so they come out fresh, soft, and wrinkle-free — no matter the material.
First things first, always check your blanket’s care label. That little fabric tag is your laundry GPS — follow it, and you’ll avoid disaster. Skip it, and you risk shrinking, felting, or turning your blanket into something only good for dusting.
Step 1: Shake It Like a Polaroid Picture
Before any washing magic, give your blanket a good shake to knock off dust, crumbs, and any other unwanted freeloaders. Pro tip: this also helps fluff up the fibers, making the wash more effective.
Step 2: Choose the Right Washing Machine Capacity and Settings
Blankets need space to stretch out. Use a large-capacity washing machine whenever possible so your blanket can move freely and get the proper clean. If your machine’s too small, the blanket might stay soggy or get tangled — nobody wants that.
Select the gentle or delicate cycle, and set the water temperature to cold. Hot water might seem like it would kill germs better, but it can also shrink or damage fibers.
Step 3: Pick the Perfect Detergent
Use a mild, liquid detergent — one without bleach or harsh chemicals. These can wear out fibers, fade colors, and generally turn your cozy blanket into a sad one. Keep it gentle; your blanket deserves it.
Step 4: Wash Blankets by Type
Different blanket materials need special care. Here’s a quick guide:
- Fleece, wool, sherpa, knit, crochet, faux fur: Cold water, gentle cycle. Wool blankets may benefit from a wool-safe detergent and extra care during rinsing for softness. Source
- Cotton and linen: Use short delicate cycles with cold water and mild detergent. Air drying is best, but low heat tumble drying is acceptable if necessary. Source
- Minky blankets: Always machine wash alone in cold water on a gentle cycle. Avoid fabric softeners and heat in the dryer to keep fibers from melting and the blanket soft. Source
- Sherpa blankets: Wash separately on a gentle cold cycle. Fabric softeners can be used if suitable, but dry on low heat or air dry to maintain fluffiness. Source
Step 5: Drying Your Blanket Without the Drama
Once washed, drying your blanket properly is just as important as how you washed it. Check the care tag—some blankets love a tumble dry on low, while others demand the fresh air spa treatment (aka air drying flat or hung up).
Heat is the enemy in many cases. Too much heat can shrink, warp, or melt fibers, turning your favorite blanket into a scratchy, sad-looking mess.
Pro tip: If you use a dryer, toss in dryer balls or clean tennis balls to help keep the fluffiness intact and speed up drying. Source
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overloading the washing machine—nothing good comes from a tangled, half-clean blanket.
- Using bleach or harsh detergents that degrade fibers.
- Skipping the care label advice because “it’s just a blanket.” Spoiler: it’s not.
- Using hot water or high dryer heat unless the label explicitly says it’s safe.
Extra Resources to Perfect Your Blanket Care
If you want to dive even deeper into the wonders of washing blankets, check out our detailed guides:
Want a New Blanket for an Easy Care Upgrade?
Sometimes, blankets are just beyond saving or you want an upgrade that’s easier on the laundry. Consider cozying up with a new, washable blanket like this ultra-soft option:
Shop Washable Blankets – India | Shop Washable Blankets – Global
Key Takeaways
- Always follow the care label as your primary guide.
- Use cold water and gentle cycles to protect blanket fibers.
- Choose mild liquid detergent without bleach or fabric softeners (unless recommended).
- Don’t overload the machine to ensure a thorough, even wash.
- Dry with care—low heat or air dry is usually best.
Treat your blanket well, and it’ll keep you cozy and stylish for many seasons to come! You feel me?